A Review of Welfare Assessment Methods in Reptiles, and Preliminary Application of the Welfare Quality registered trademark Protocol to the Pygmy Blue-Tongue Skink, Tiliqua adelaidensis, Using Animal-Based Measures
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
2019 |
Authors: |
Amelia L. Benn, David J. McLelland, Alexandra L. Whittaker |
Publication/Journal: |
Animals |
Keywords: |
assessment tool, play, pygmy skink, reptiles, welfare |
ISBN: |
2076-2615 |
Abstract:
Reptiles are held at wildlife parks and zoos for display and conservation breeding programs
and are increasingly being kept as pets. Reliable indicators of welfare for reptiles need to be identified.
Current guidelines for the captive management of reptiles utilize resource-based, rather than
animal-based indicators; the latter being a more direct reflection of affective state. In this paper
we review the literature on welfare assessment methods in reptiles with a focus on animal-based
measures. We conclude that, whilst a number of physiological and behavioral indicators of welfare
have been applied in reptiles, there is need for further validation of these methods across the
diversity of species within the Class. Methods of positive welfare state assessment are comparatively
understudied and need elucidation. Finally, we examine some widely-used welfare assessment tools
in mammals and explore the application of the Welfare Quality® Protocol to the endangered pygmy
blue-tongue skink, Tiliqua adelaidensis. We propose that this framework can form the basis for the
development of taxon-specific tools with consideration of species-specific biology